Special Adventures at Camp Kanuga

Special Adventures

Rafting

Whitewater rafting down the French Broad River.

Campers age 13 and older spend an adventurous day of whitewater rafting on the French Broad River 25 miles north of Asheville. The trip combines a day of rafting with panoramic views of the Pisgah National Forest. After paddling and safety instruction, the group travels several miles over and through Class II and III rapids.

The campers in each raft learn to communicate and cooperate with each other to maneuver each rapid. They use rafts at high water and duckies, single person inflatable kayaks at low water. A full day's trip includes lunch along the way. The trip is coordinated through the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which provides qualified and experienced river guides.

Ridge Runners

The Ridge Runners program presents new challenges to the oldest campers, allowing them to develop leadership and outdoor skills while exploring the beautiful natural environment of Western North Carolina. Ridge Runners live in cabins 6 and Foxhole.

Getting a taste of the Trailblazer Adventure, Ridge Runners go beyond Camp Kanuga for an overnight in DuPont State Forest where the Leave No Trace philosophy is practiced. They hook up belay lines to climb the formidable granite slab known as Gilbert's Rock.

They go horseback riding at Sky Valley Farm, traversing the ridges and valleys of this beautiful Pinnacle Mountain ranch, ending with a refreshing swim in a cool mountain lake and a picnic lunch. This trail ride is a special program offered only to Ridge Runners.

Campers setting out on a backpacking trip.

Trailblazer Adventures

For campers age 15 and 16, Camp Kanuga offers Trailblazer Adventures. Campers can choose the traditional Trailblazer Adventure, a 44-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail, or Pack and Paddle, which combines several days of hiking with four days of flat-water canoeing.

Each two-week adventure begins at Meg’s Outpost, a base camp close to Camp Kanuga, and ends with a day of rock climbing and whitewater rafting, followed by an awards breakfast back at Meg’s with parents and family as guests.

For more information, visit the Trailblazer Adventures web site.

Leadership Opportunities

Camp Kanuga takes great pride in the number of campers who return year after year and eventually serve as counselors and members of the senior staff.

Trailblazer Adventures is highly recommended as a challenging yet fun wilderness program that rewards participants with new skills to face adulthood and increased maturity necessary for those considering future leadership positions. Please see the Trailblazer section for more details about this opportunity for adventurous youth ages 15 and 16.

Junior Counselors must be 17 years old and must attend a training session. They will work with a counselor on cabin and activity responsibilities, have daily camp clean-up duties and also will spend time on the kitchen crew. They receive a small stipend and will have in-service training in successful camp counseling techniques. Junior Counselors are selected based on previous camping experience, qualifications and training, availability and a formal interview.

Get to know our fearless leaders.